ABOUT MIKE:
Mike Denklau, a resident of Council Bluffs, is a fourth-generation Iowan who grew up in Blue Grass, Iowa. The son of lifelong county government employees, he learned the value of hard work helping his parents bale hay and pick sweet corn on the family’s farm. After graduating from public high school, Mike went on to major in Finance and Political Science at the University of Iowa, graduating with honors and distinction in both concentrations.
Mike made a commitment to community service at an early age. As a college student, he volunteered on a sustainable farm in Iowa and helped keep the books for an Iowa nonprofit organization. While working in New York, Mike volunteered as a math tutor at the Harlem Children’s Zone and as an instructor for The First Tee junior golf program. Mike also served as a precinct captain for the Bill Bradley for President Campaign, a canvasser with the Iowa Democratic Party’s Coordinated Campaign in 2004, and a member of the College Democrats and Young Democrats of America.
With an extensive business and entrepreneurial background, Mike is prepared to lead the 5th District during these troubled times. By the time he graduated from college, Mike had managed and worked for small businesses in both Iowa and Wisconsin. As a banker in New York City at one of the world’s largest financial institutions, Mike’s economic skills were recognized with a promotion offer during the worst business environment in nearly 70 years. While there, he routinely advised a broad range of businesses—from Fortune 500 firms to $25 million privately owned companies—on financings, tax, securities law, and mergers and acquisitions. This included leading and executing a successful $550 million capital raise. He also worked directly with financial regulators to protect individual investors from exotic financial products, and he advised businesses on how to implement government stimulus programs.
In addition to his work in finance, Mike also spent time as an educator for the University of Iowa and the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth. These positions gave Mike first hand experience lecturing and tutoring high school and college aged students in finance and geopolitics. These experiences deepened Mike’s appreciation for the importance of investing in our human capital through quality educational programs that produce a well educated and adaptable workforce.
Additionally, Mike possesses broad international experience that has enhanced his awareness of global economic opportunity for Iowans and key security challenges for the United States. While in college he lived and studied at Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey. During his career in business, Mike worked on several international finance projects and traveled extensively in Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Mike’s small town Iowa upbringing coupled with his international and business experience will give him the credibility to ensure that the 5th District’s voice is heard, respected, and heeded on Capitol Hill.
All Americans are suffering the effects of the current economic crisis and failed economic policies of the past. Western Iowa has been hit particularly hard. Mike is now running for Congress to make a difference in his state at this critical time. Mike believes that providing a fair playing field and empowering people to help themselves is the best path to future prosperity. He will work tirelessly to improve the day-to-day lives of 5th District families.
Join Mike as he brings a new voice to Congress for the people of Iowa’s 5th District.
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